If you have been involved in a bike accident in Washington DC, you will probably have a number of questions. The primary goal of a reputable DC bicycle accident attorney will be to ensure that you will not suffer financially because of the injuries you or your loved one has received in an accident.
Many motorists make turns without checking their blind spot, fail to yield to bicyclists despite traffic signs, or even open their car doors before checking for oncoming bicyclists. If negligence was involved in your bike accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact a DC bicycle accident attorney to find out if you may have a claim.
If and when a case is brought to a trial, a jury will examine the various factors of the case in order to determine whether a person is entitled to damages, as well as the value of that settlement. Some of the specific factors that the jury will consider include, but are not limited to:
An experienced DC bike accident lawyer will examine all of these factors and determine how they can best be presented to a jury. The strength of the lawyer’s presentation can have as much of an impact on the monetary value of the settlement as the facts of the case themselves.
When a victim sustains injury while riding their bicycle in the District, they may be able to recover various types of damages depending on the level of fault belonging to the other party. The first type of damages that a victim may want to recoup for include medical bills, property damage, and missed time from work. These types of damages are known as economic damages since they are easy to put a number on.
In addition to economic damages, victims may also be able to recover noneconomic damages. These damages are intangible and difficult to quantify since they account for any psychological trauma and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident. To accurately estimate the amount of damages owed, it is vital that victims reach out to a bike injury attorney in the DC area for help reviewing what is owed.
Even with designated bike lanes and DC’s bike safety requirements, bicycle accidents still happen. Sometimes, a motorist’s negligence makes it impossible to prevent an accident.
However, there are some small ways to protect oneself from negligent drivers or reduce the severity of potential injuries, such as:
Bicycle accidents in Washington, DC can be complex and often require in-depth investigations, advanced legal knowledge, and years of experience.
Since physical evidence can be limited, a DC bicycle accident lawyer will speak with witnesses, analyze police reports, uncover video footage if possible, and reconstruct the accident. Attorneys can also help by:
If you or someone you love was hurt in a bike accident, it is important to hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence. Not only do you have to struggle with medical bills and missing time at work, but you may also be experiencing pain and emotional trauma, and facing a long recovery. A Washington, DC bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate DC’s complex traffic laws and ensure you receive fair and full compensation.
